How to Build a Personal Assistant Business
Building a business as a personal assistant is as much about doing an excellent job as it is about marketing. Growing your business requires networking, solid job skills and the ability to market who you are and what you have to offer.
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Instructions
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Think about past jobs you have had. What skills have you acquired in those jobs that you can apply to your personal assistant job? A personal assistant should have a wide array of abilities and skills, including -- but not limited to -- organization, computer skills, social marketing or other Internet skills and the ability to work quickly, efficiently and on a deadline.
If you find you might be lacking in one or more areas, consider taking a class or talking to someone who can mentor you in a particular area.
Consider taking courses that are specific to the personal assistant industry. You might consider a business degree with an emphasis in personal assistance.
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Consider specializing. Many personal assistants find they do best when they specialize in a particular industry, such as working as a personal assistant for real estate agents or Internet marketers. If you decide to specialize, chose an area that is either of particular interest or that you have some background or experience in.
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Work on acquiring more clients. To do this, you need to think about your advertising strategies. This doesn't always mean paid advertising. In fact, one of the best ways to build a personal assistant business is to rely on word of mouth referrals and the distribution of business cards.
Attend networking events like chamber of commerce mixers and hand out your business cards. Finding the right networking events will likely net you contact with the kind of people who need personal assistants.
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Ask for referrals from your current clients. If they are happy with the work you do or the work you have done for them, they will likely be happy to write a recommendation for you, give a referral or pass your business card along to others who might use your service.
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Do excellent work. No matter how tiresome a particular task might be or how tedious a particular job might turn out to be, do the best work you can. Be dedicated to the task, be efficient and timely and always complete your work with a smile on your face. This is the kind of attitude that will get you the referrals and recommendations that will help you build your business.
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Consider your rate structure. It's fair to assume that the longer you have been a personal assistant and the more expertise you acquire, the higher your rates will be. But call around now and then and see what other personal assistants are charging so you can be sure your rates are competitive.
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Tips & Warnings
Set aside time each day to work on marketing your business.
References
Resources
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